The legendary Indian cricketer Sachin Tendulkar reckons that the Indian squad which has headed for a hectic tour to England comprises of the most complete fast-bowling attack in many many years, a “luxury” that was not there during his 24 years in international cricket.

Team India will be touring to England for a period of around 3 months, which will commence with two T20 Internationals in Ireland from June 27 but all eyes will be on the five-Test series starting August 1 in Birmingham. Sachin said, “This is the most complete fast-bowling attack that India has had in many many years. In my assessment, this attack would go as one of the best.”

The master blaster, who played an incredible 200 Tests in his illustrious career, said even though India has had some quality seamers but never had the “luxury” of an attack of such variety.

Talking about the Indian bowling, Tendulkar said, “We have the luxury where we have a swing bowler (Bhuvneshwar Kumar), a tall bowler (Ishant Sharma), a skiddy bowler (Jasprit Bumrah) and a genuine quick bowler (Umesh Yadav). It is a nice combination to have with so much variation on offer.”

Tendulkar had played alongside the players like Kapil Dev and Manoj Prabhakar. During the major part of his career though, Javagal Srinath and Zaheer Khan spearheaded the pace attacks

So does Sachin rate this attack as more potent than some of those during his playing years, he replied: “Yeah, I am taking that into account that (attacks of yesteryears) as well because of a reason. We have got Bhuvi, who can bat and also Hardik with good batting ability.”

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However, Tendulkar didn’t give a clear answer about the kind of combination India should play. He said, “I think the team management would have to assess which opposition batsman is comfortable against what kind of bowling. There will be a few, who would play the swing bowling well and some will have the technique of dealing with deliveries that move off the pitch. You have to pick the team accordingly.”

Tendulkar also complimented Bhuvneshwar as he can tilt the balance of power in India’s favor with his all-around abilities. He said, “The current India team is constantly looking at seamers, who can contribute with the bat big time. I think these two guys (Bhuvneshwar and Hardik) have contributed crucial runs every now and then.”

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He further added, “Hardik has just got into the side but I think Bhuvi contributing brilliantly and that contribution changes the balance of the team in a positive manner. It’s good to have batsmen who can bowl four-five overs but even better if we have bowlers, who can score those crucial runs. The kind of contributions that can help you move forward.”

Sachin concluded by talking about the conditions, he said, “It also depends on the kind of summer they have. No one wants to play in wet and cold conditions. I am expecting good bright summer conducive for good cricket. I think going early will prove to be an advantage. By the time the Test series starts, India would have spent five weeks in England with a lot of match practice. It would help the team to get into the groove.”